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Originally Posted by Howard_Kier

I don't and the funniest (saddest) thing is I think that I've just earned something without even really trying. I just don't know what I've earned!

Hi Howard;

I'll start with Craftsman. It is the 2nd highest degree that PPA awards. You need a minimum of 13 teaching merits as well as 12 "other" merits. I taught Photoshop in different parts of Pa. as well as N.Y. state, New Jersey, and Maryland.

For the Master of Photography Degree, the highest that PPA awards, you need at least 13 print merits and 12 "other" merits.

I'll start with Craftsman. It is the 2nd highest degree that PPA awards. . .
For the Master of Photography Degree, the highest that PPA awards,

This is not correct, one degree is not higher then the others. All four degrees are considered equal, just in different areas. An individual member may hold one degree in higher esteem, or find one degree more difficult to achieve then another, but PPA does not rank them or value one above the other.

The highest honor PPA presents is the National Award, which is not a deegree at all but an award given in recognition of meritorious contributions to professional photography .

I am going to correct you on something. Where, exactly, does it say that the Photographic Craftsman degree is second highest to the Master of Photography degree?

It doesn't.

The Photographic Craftsman degree is completely separate, and equal, to the Master of Photography degree. A portion of the merits earned for the Craftsman are specific to receiving the Craftsman, and a portion of the merits earned for the Masters are specific to receiving that degree. In no way is one of the degrees superior to the other, for both have qualifications of their own, and are 2 separate - and equal- degrees.

Furthermore, there are more degrees listed on the PPA web site to note other than these 2, here is what the web site states for degrees:

Master of Photography (M.Photog.)
Awarded for superior photographic competence demonstrated through photographic competition, advanced education, and service to the profession.
(25 merits: 13 Exhibition merits, 12 Exhibition or Service merits)

Photographic Craftsman (Cr.Photog.)
Awarded in recognition of service to the profession as an orator, author or mentor.
(25 merits: 13 for lectures on approved programs or for positions as instructor or lecturer at approved PPA affiliate schools; 12 Speaking or Service merits)

There is a misconception that the Craftsman degree is not as important and easier to achieve than another degree. What is important to remember, though, is that those that are not as winded and have a hard time speaking in front of a group may find the Master of photography degree or E.I. easier to obtain than the Craftsman. There are those that may never be a master, yet inspire others through their abilities to share their knowledge of business or other varying aspects of being, then there are those that may never be a Craftsman, yet inspire others in their photographic vision and abilities and inspire others in that way.

I have come to accept the feeling of not knowing where I am going. And I have trained myself to love it. Because it is only when we are suspended in mid-air with no landing in sight, that we force our wings to unravel and alas begin our flight. And as we fly, we still may not know where we are going to. But the miracle is in the unfolding of the wings. You may not know where you're going, but you know that so long as you spread your wings, the winds will carry you.

i've got to disagree here.
ok i do hold both degrees, and was certified in the mid-eightys.
i also earned the highest level degrees available in my state.
the one i value above all is the masters! for the simple reason that the craftsman can be earned by anyone within a few years or less. go to workshops and speak on a local level, pretty easy stuff. the cpp which you guys hold up like it's the cat's pajamas is about entering average prints! and some people are just good test takers.
the masters on the other hand is a degree which is not that easy to optain.
and some might never even when pursuing it for years.
ok a little dirty background- when i persurd the cpp, the print part was a piece of cake. but, i did take the exam 3 TIMES, that's right THREEEE!
well, i've never been much for homework. so the first 2 times i never opened the book. 3rd atemp - no problem.
joe

This is not correct, one degree is not higher then the others. All four degrees are considered equal, just in different areas. An individual member may hold one degree in higher esteem, or find one degree more difficult to achieve then another, but PPA does not rank them or value one above the other.

The highest honor PPA presents is the National Award, which is not a degree at all but an award given in recognition of meritorious contributions to professional photography .

I agree, I would love to have a National Award someday. I've just awarded one to John Woodward last night at the PPC awards ceremony.

However, the degrees are the highest "earned" awards from PPA.

Michael Gan,M.Photog.Cr. CPP,Meritage House of Photography

If your business depends on you, you don't own a business-you have a job. And it's the worst job in the world because you're working for a lunatic... You can't close it when you want to, because if it's closed you don't get paid. You can't leave it when you want to, because if you leave there's nobody there to do the work. You can't sell it when you want to, because who wants to buy a job?—Michael Gerber

the cpp which you guys hold up like it's the cat's pajamas is about entering average prints! and some people are just good test takers

Just a quick clarification, Joe... the CPP exam is completely separate from any and all degrees that you can earn through PPA. As a matter of fact, the CPP exam is administered by a third party, and you don't even have to be a PPA member to sit for the exam. The certification process is simply that - a practical and written exam to certify that you are competent in your craft. Nothing more, nothing less. While certification used to be required to earn a degree, it isn't a requirement any longer, and therefore is a complete and separate entity to the PPA degrees. And, as someone who teaches classes on taking the CPP, I do hold up the process like it's the cat's pajamas. It's a good process to go through, and as I work toward my Craftsman degree (teaching and serving others!), I'll continue to promote the program.

I think Jackie and Keith made their points very well. PPA has structured a system that allows photographers of differing skills to achieve recognition at a national level if they so desire. The Craftsman exists for those who love to speak and teach. The Masters exists for those who are successful in print competition. The Artist and EI exist for those master artists who are successful in creating beautiful artwork through advanced mediums.

See, aren't we all just one big happy family? There's a little somethin' for everyone.

heather,
don't get me wrong, i was very happy/proud when i received my cpp.
it's all good & worth the effort. i was just expressing how i feel about the different degrees & certification. although the ppa doesn't rank them, doesn't mean i can't.
joe